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Anonymous Platforms (like Sidechat) TL;DR
- Apps like Sidechat and Fizz are anonymous and posts there can spread quickly—and sometimes include misinformation, harassment, or harmful content.
- You are accountable for what you post on there the same way you would be on other platforms or in person!
- Even if something is posted anonymously, it can still have real impact and consequences.
- Online behavior affects real people. Penn’s community values apply online as well as in person.
- If something you see online is harmful or affecting you, support and reporting options are available.
- Penn does not post on these platforms, and content there shouldn’t be assumed to be accurate or official. The sites are not run or moderated by Penn.
What to Know
Life at Penn lives virtually as much as it does in a class or at College House. Students stay connected in lots of ways—Instagram, GroupMe, WhatsApp, WeChat, Reddit, and anonymous apps like Sidechat.
Some people use these spaces to joke, vent, or feel connected. But anonymous platforms also make it easier for rumors, misinformation, harassment, and harmful or discriminatory comments to spread quickly. When posts are anonymous, it’s often harder to step in, offer support, or hold people accountable when something causes harm.
That’s why it’s worth being thoughtful about how much time, attention and credibility you give to anonymous platforms—and how they make you feel. Repeated exposure to harmful, inaccurate, or distressing content can take a toll on your mental and emotional wellbeing, even when you know it may not be true. Prioritizing your wellness may mean setting boundaries around what you read and seeking out spaces and resources that support a healthier, more balanced perspective.
Penn encourages students to build community in spaces that are supportive, respectful, and grounded in care for one another. This page shares what to know about anonymous platforms, how to report concerns, and where to find support if something online affects you.
Community Values Apply Online, Too
Penn is built on respect, curiosity, and open conversation. Content that is hateful, harassing, bullying, threatening, or discriminatory goes against those values—whether it’s said in person or posted online.
Online spaces are part of campus life. When harmful behavior happens there, it can affect students’ well-being, sense of belonging, and ability to focus on academics.
Anonymous platforms like Sidechat are not run by Penn. They aren’t sponsored, endorsed, or moderated by the University, and Penn does not control what gets posted there. Many cohorts, classes, or student groups may use platforms like GroupMe or WhatsApp as an official communication channel to stay connected about academics, official organizational events, and more. But we expect our students to behave online, even on anonymous platforms, as you would in-person.
It is important to know that your conduct on them is actionable if it is violative of Penn’s policies. Think of these tools as great connectors and, when connected to official Penn business, be mindful how you engage.
About Sidechat and Similar Apps
Sidechat (previously Yik Yak) is an anonymous app that lets people with a Penn email join a Penn-specific feed. You can post or reply without your name attached.
Because Sidechat is run by a private company the University has limited ability to control how the app is used or how content is moderated. Even if posts mention Penn, campus locations, or look “official,” they do not represent the University.
Penn does not post on Sidechat, and information shared there should not be assumed to be accurate, verified, or endorsed.
Anonymity Doesn’t Mean No Accountability
Actions, even with anonymous posts, have consequences. Although user data is not shared by the companies who manage these platforms, there are consequences for inappropriate behavior.
If a post is offensive, you may email support@sidechat.lol with screenshots of offensive posts or related content. Sidechat reviews reports under its own terms of service and determines whether content should be removed. The platform may notify the poster if content is taken down, but not the individual who submitted the report.
For concerns related to harassment or harmful content on other platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat, or Facebook, you can find reporting guidance and support resources on Penn’s Office of Audit, Compliance, and Privacy Online Harassment page.
In some cases, a harmful or discriminatory post may violate University policies—especially when they involve harassment or discrimination based on race, sex or gender, religion, national or ethnic origin, disability, or other protected statuses. When possible, Penn will investigate these situations and take action, even if the content was posted anonymously.
In some cases, a post may rise to the level of a criminal violation. Penn Police can investigate and may obtain user information to pursue criminal charges.
You are accountable for what you say no matter what platform you say it on.
When and How to Contact Penn
Online behavior continues to be subject to Penn’s policies, including the Code of Student Conduct and other applicable conduct standards. Content on external platforms involving harassment, discrimination, or threats and can be connected to identifiable individuals may be reported through Penn’s established channels.
If content on Sidechat or another platform affects your well-being or sense of safety, Penn offers a range of supportive and, in some cases, confidential resources to provide care and support. Community members are encouraged to reach out directly to any of the University offices below:
Resources
Existing Policies Related to Online Harassment
Student Health and Counseling (24/7)
- Counseling:
3624 Market Street,
1st Floor West - Student Health:
3535 Market Street,
Suite 100 - Phone:
215-746-WELL (9355) - Emergency walk-ins all day
- 24/7 crisis support
The Office of the Chaplain
- 240 Houston Hall
- Phone:
215-898-8456